2011 Preseason Coverage
Butcher was drafted by the Power with pick No.8 in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft, but spent most of his first season at Alberton recovering from stress fractures in his back.
The 19-year-old's only other appearance for the club was in an internal trial last February, and on Tuesday the former Maffra junior said he was thrilled to finally be making his debut.
"I've waited a year and a bit for my first chance to pull on the jumper and run out with the boys," Butcher said.
"[Coach] Matty [Primus] gave me the word after training this morning that they'd be giving me a run, which I'm extremely grateful for.
"I'm very excited … and I'm sure on Friday morning and in the lead up to the game the nerves will start kicking in."
Butcher was touted as a potential No.1 draft pick midway through the 2009 TAC Cup season, but slipped down the selection order because of injury and queries over his kicking.
The strong-marking key forward has allayed queries over his durability by completing close to a full pre-season and said his kicking technique had also improved.
"I've worked a lot on my kicking with the video and technology guys and the development coaches," he said.
"It was a technique thing. My ball drop wasn't perfect, but I've worked on it a lot and I'll continue to work on it throughout my career because you can always keep improving aspects of your game."
Butcher will line up at full-forward on Friday night in place of the injured Jay Schulz (hamstring).
The agile big man was hopeful of taking a few of his trademark grabs against the Crows and the Demons, but said he had modest goalsa for the season proper.
"I'm just pretty excited I'm actually getting a chance this Friday night. I haven't looked too far ahead," he said.
"I'm just hoping to get a bit of game time, get my hands on the ball and put my best foot forward. I'm looking forward to this Friday night first and then if I'm lucky enough to get another chance throughout the pre-season, I'll play some good footy and see how we go from there."
Young ruckman Jarrad Redden will also make his debut in the AAMI Stadium triple-header.
Redden, 20, will lead the ruck in the absence of injured big man Matthew Lobbe (shoulder) and veteran Dean Brogan, who will be rested.
The Woodville-West Torrens ruckman/forward conceded it would be a tough ask up against Melbourne's All Australian tall Mark Jamar and Crows pair Ivan Maric and Sam Jacobs, but said he was ready for the challenge.
"I've been working through some footage of how he [Jamar] plays with Dean Brogan," Redden said.
"I reckon I've learned a lot from Broges over the pre-season, enough to hold my own on Friday night. With Matt Lobbe out for the next few weeks I'll definitely be looking to try and take that [second ruck] spot, but I've got a long way to go yet."
